<b>Chapter </b><b>101 </b>


    “Looking forward to our next meeting, my dear sister.”


    Alessia nced at the text on her phone, a cold, derisive snort escaping her lips.


    “Funny. You never call me ‘dear‘ in person. What a creep.”


    “Lessie, what are you muttering about over there? Dinner’s ready!”


    “Coming.” Alessia pocketed her phone without bothering to reply.


    Late at night, when the house was silent and still, a young girl tossed and turned in her bed, her brow furrowed as if trapped in the throes of an unsettling dream.


    “Young master, this is the wine your father asked me to bring back.”


    “Put it in the cer.”


    “Yes, sir.”


    “Wait.”


    “Leave it here,” Max said, pointing to the table.


    “Here?<b>” </b>


    “Is there a problem?” Max raised an eyebrow. The assistant immediately shook his


    head.


    “No… no, sir.”


    By the time five–year–old Alessia woke up, tummy rumbling and searching for a snack, Max had already uncorked the wine.


    The deep red liquid swirlednguidly in a crystal ss as Max took a casual sip, trying out the wine–tasting techniques their etiquette tutor had taught–something he’d been curious about for a while.


    “Max, what are you drinking?” Alessia’s tiny, childish voice made Max pause, an idea sparking in his mind.


    “Grape juice.”


    “Is it good?” Back then, Alessia was still so innocent. Despite Max’s constant pranks, in this big, empty house where their parents were rarely home, he was the only one she could talk to, the only person she trusted.


    “It’s a little sour.” Max made as if to pull the ss away, but Alessia was faster. She


    <b>14.46 </b>


    wrapped her chubby arms around his leg, refusing to let go, clinging like a determined little monkey. Max tried shaking her off, but she wouldn’t budge.


    “You’re lying. You always sneak drinks when I’m not looking.”


    “You little rascal, looking for trouble, huh?”


    “Let me have some!” Alessia’s bossy side showed through even at that age.


    “Fine, fine, just let go. I’ll pour you some.” Max, sounding long–suffering, gave in with a huff.


    Finally releasing her grip, Alessia scrambled up onto her special chair, watching intently as Max poured the tiniest bit into her little cup.


    “Max, you’re so stingy.” Alessia’s face fell when she saw how little was in the cup, and she red at him usingly.


    “For such a little gremlin, you sure have a big appetite.” Max teased, but poured her a little more, just to appease her.


    Alessia wanted to argue, but when Max looked like he’d take the cup back, she quickly shielded it with her pudgy hands and gulped it down in a rush. She drank so fast she started coughing and sputtering, nearly choking on it.


    Startled, Max patted her back and fumbled for some napkins, wiping her mouth.


    with clumsy concern.


    “What’s the rush?” he scolded, brow furrowing.


    “Max… cough, cough… that’s not juice… cough, you lied again…” Alessia’s cheeks flushed bright red, but her indignation made Max chuckle.


    “You’re the one who insisted on trying it.”


    “It… it itches… I don’t feel good…”


    Max was stillughing when he noticed her face getting redder, her little hands frantically scratching at her arms, her breathing growing strained.


    “Hey, little gremlin? Are you okay?”


    Panic flickered in Max’s eyes as he grabbed her hands to stop her scratching and rolled up her sleeve. Her soft, pale arm was breaking out in angry red hives. She clung to his shirt desperately, trying to say something, but the words wouldn’t


    “Mae! Call the doctor! Mae!” Max’s voice rang out loud and urgent, a tone he’d never


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    <b>14:46 </b>


    used before.


    But by then, little Alessia’s consciousness was already slipping away, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly, her voice so faint it could barely be heard.


    “Hey! Alessia!” Max pressed his ear close, just in time to catch the softest whisper–onest, breathy “big brother.”


    14:46